Oil Analysis Reports

Here's my recent report:

apecush wrote

Both 10W60 changes included a quart or two of 5W40 to try match the virgin kinematic viscosity of TWS.

Are you going to run a mix of 5w40 and 10w60 or 10w60 only from now on?

Either or both are more than capable to lubricate moving engine parts. The oil is not the problem. And remember, 10-60 is specified. LL1, whatever. You have to consider the rest of the engine and what it was designed to use. Valve train, etc. Built for 10-60. LL1, whatever.

Here is my first report after my first oil change since purchasing the car. Any insights/thoughts would be appreciated. The report seemed positive but I have been concerned with the amount of oil the engine seems to burn between changes.

RoundelObsession wrote

Are you going to run a mix of 5w40 and 10w60 or 10w60 only from now on?

mix.

e92BMW///M3 wrote

Here is my first report after my first oil change since purchasing the car. Any insights/thoughts would be appreciated. The report seemed positive but I have been concerned with the amount of oil the engine seems to burn between changes.

I had my oil analyzed every oil change for over 100,000 miles and it did not detect the condition of my bearings. In fact glowing reports. I don't think it's worth the trouble. I changed my bearings at 147800 miles and they will be changed every 60-70,000 miles from now on if I still own the car. No more oil analysis.

Those don't look too bad for 150k. Not sure I'd worry about doing them again.

4corners wrote

I had my oil analyzed every oil change for over 100,000 miles and it did not detect the condition of my bearings. In fact glowing reports. I don't think it's worth the trouble. I changed my bearings at 147800 miles and they will be changed every 60-70,000 miles from now on if I still own the car. No more oil analysis.

Yep, this is what I've been saying for a long time: UOA is not the sole indicator of an engine's health. I still think it's useful for establishing a baseline and determining good change intervals and whether or not a particular oil/interval works for you. It can also detect things like coolant or filtration problems.

Sorry to hear about the issue, but 150k without any major service on a high-strung engine like the S65 isn't too bad. Mind if I ask how much the bearing replacement set you back?

dparm wrote

Yep, this is what I've been saying for a long time: UOA is not the sole indicator of an engine's health. I still think it's useful for establishing a baseline and determining good change intervals and whether or not a particular oil/interval works for you. It can also detect things like coolant or filtration problems.

Sorry to hear about the issue, but 150k without any major service on a high-strung engine like the S65 isn't too bad. Mind if I ask how much the bearing replacement set you back?

I had no indication of bad bearings. Feeling fortunate at 147800 miles. It was preventative maintenance. It was $2000. WPC bearings, new stock bolts at Lange Racing in Irvine. Absolutely no issues or noises. Andrew Lange was a complete professional, answered all my questions and went the extra mile to accommodate me. Rides and shit. Your quote may vary.

4corners wrote

I had no indication of bad bearings. Feeling fortunate at 147800 miles. It was preventative maintenance. It was $2000. WPC bearings, new stock bolts at Lange Racing in Irvine. Absolutely no issues or noises. Andrew Lange was a complete professional, answered all my questions and went the extra mile to accommodate me. Rides and shit. Your quote may vary.

What oil are you using?

My 1st oil report for the M. Using BMW M Power oil

An oil analysis on oil with 7-10k miles that says:

"Good report, plenty of oil life left, reasonable particulate and metals count, fuel dilution is not too bad for a DI engine. let engine warm up before spirited driving, etc etc etc"

Is like a doctor telling an obese person:

"Your cholesterol and blood pressure are in an acceptable range. Triglycerides are a bit high - watch the refined sugar and alcohol. Keep an eye on your diet, maybe get off the couch once in a while"

R3dliner wrote

My 1st oil report for the M. Using BMW M Power oil

Looks fine, but next time pay for TBN & TAN ($10 each) so you can figure out if you have a good change interval.

dparm wrote

Looks fine, but next time pay for TBN & TAN ($10 each) so you can figure out if you have a good change interval.

didn't think it mattered that much but def will do it next time.

R3dliner wrote

didn't think it mattered that much but def will do it next time.

It does. See some earlier posts of mine that explain why TBN+TAN is a great way to determine change interval.

dparm wrote

It does. See some earlier posts of mine that explain why TBN+TAN is a great way to determine change interval.

I did oil analysis every oil change for over 100,000 miles and it did not detect the condition of my bearings. Not a believer anymore. 147800 miles.

4corners wrote

I did oil analysis every oil change for over 100,000 miles and it did not detect the condition of my bearings. Not a believer anymore. 147800 miles.

Like I've written in other threads, and as Blackstone will even tell you, UOA as a sole indicator of engine health is an incorrect understanding of how UOA is performed and its intended purpose(s). Sorry that you had issues with bearing wear, but it will not always be indicated in a UOA.

If you don't want to pay for the oil analyses, that is your choice, but the service is still useful for a variety of other things.

I'm sure this has been shared before. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/bearingwear/bearingwearanalysis.htm

Just bought a 09 e92 M3 with 36k miles. Attached is the previous owners last 2 blackstone results. Car currently has 36.5k miles.

ns3425 wrote

Just bought a 09 e92 M3 with 36k miles. Attached is the previous owners last 2 blackstone results. Car currently has 36.5k miles.

Looks fine. If you decide to get your own reports done, pay for TBN and TAN analyses as I have lectured about in this thread and others.

Without TBN and TAN, the change interval is a guessing game and you could be wasting money by changing the oil way too soon.

dparm wrote

Looks fine. If you decide to get your own reports done, pay for TBN and TAN analyses as I have lectured about in this thread and others.

Without TBN and TAN, the change interval is a guessing game and you could be wasting money by changing the oil way too soon.

Thanks for the info, I will change once car hits 5k miles since the last oil change just as the last owner did. Then depending on TBN and TAN ill adjust intervals.

Decided to run for an extended interval. Interesting analysis!